Figures from the Yemeni Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources show that hide and skins exports grew 28% to $16 million in 2007 compared with 2006 exports.

However, it is believed that the country could be making a lot more money from the sector but is struggling to do so because of poor processing facilities. Reports indicate that around half of all the country’s cattle, sheep and horse hides and skins were abandoned during slaughtering last year. There are very few leather processing facilities so it is hard to add value to exports. It is hoped that new units will be established so that exports of semi-finished and finished leather can increase.

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